HC Deb 12 January 1981 vol 996 cc444-5W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (i) whether to mark the International Year of Disabled People, he will seek to exempt those suffering from multiple sclerosis from prescription charges;

(ii) whether, to mark the International Year of Disabled People he will take steps to exempt those suffering from cystic fibrosis from prescription charges;

(iii) whether, to mark the International Year of Disabled People, he will seek to exempt those suffering from arthritis, hypertension and thyroid illness from prescription charges;

(iv) whether, to mark the International Year of Disabled People, he will seek to extend the definition of the chronic sick to entitle all chronic sick to free prescriptions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

I have a great deal of sympathy for people suffering from conditions not included in the exemption arrangements. I regret, however, that because of the significant increased costs which would arise if the list of "specified medical conditions" were to be extended still further, I cannot agree to widen the present arrangements.

Many people suffering from conditions not included in the "specified medical conditions" may already qualify for exemption under one of the other categories in the exemption arrangements. These arrangements are very wide-ranging and include: Men aged 65 and over Women aged 60 and over Children under 16 years Expectant Mothers Mothers with a child under one year of age War or Service pensioners (for prescriptions needed for treating their accepted disablement) Low income groups (families receiving supplementary benefit or family income supplement, and anyone whose income is only a little over supplementary benefit level, whether or not they are working).

As a result of these arrangements, over 65 per cent. of all prescribed items are dispensed free-of-charge.

In addition, the 'season ticket' arrangements are designed to help people with significant prescription needs, who do not qualify for exemption, to limit their expenditure on medicines. We have sought to publicise the 'season ticket' and to make it as financially attractive as possible. A further 5 per cent. of all prescription items are dispensed under these arrangements.